INKOVEMA Podcast „Well through time“

#150 – Elder Mediation – Mediation in age and generational issues

What mediation is helpful for in matters of ageing and old age

In conversation with Yvonne Rogger Hofstetter

Well through time. The podcast about mediation, conflict coaching and organisational consulting.

 Yvonne Rogger Hofstetterqualified social worker, self-employed in mediation and education at rohof GmbH since 2014, lecturer at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and PROGES Linz, co-editor and editorial coordinator of the journal perspective mediation - Contributions to conflict culture; former professor at Bern University of Applied Sciences, specialising in mediation and case management (1993 - 2015).

Contents:

Mediation field: Elder mediation – Mediation in age and generational issues

are discussions about difficult situations or conflicts. The aim is to recognise the best possible changes and necessary adjustments for those involved. They know what they need and what they want. Growing old is a multifaceted, lifelong process. And it always requires adjustment, in the couple, in the family system and in the social environment.

Topics for elder mediation

Adjustment problems and old family conflicts in a new guise

  • Experiences of loss (relatives, friends, place of residence, health, etc.)
  • Questions about the upcoming forms of housing (care)
  • Outdated, sometimes failed expectations
  • New relationships
  • Tension between commitment and freedom, dependence and independence
  • Loss of capacity to act, fitness to drive...
  • Dilemmas in medical treatment and around dying
  • Abuse, neglect and mistreatment: physical, psychological, financial, sexual

Topics in the restructuring of (family) relationships

  • Distrust between generations and between siblings
  • Problems with bequests and inheritance
  • Concern about dwindling heritage
  • Organising succession in family businesses and difficulties in handing over the farm:
    Securing the livelihood of ageing business owners
  • Conflicts when several generations live together
  • Prevented contact between grandparents and grandchildren

Topics related to couple and (expectant) caring relationships for elder mediation

  • From the couple relationship to the caring relationship
  • Non-functioning network, burden on family carers and lack of conditions for appropriate care.
    From compulsory arrangement to optional arrangement.
  • Conflicts between family carers and professional carers, in terms of time, distribution of tasks, appreciation, respect, understanding of roles, norms and lifestyles – Ongoing question: How much protection is necessary? How much self-determination is possible?

Topics in connection with retirement and care facilities for elder mediation

  • Dissatisfaction of relatives with the quality of care/nursing
  • Conflicts between residents and carers, home management, kitchen, service
  • Difficult decisions regarding medical treatment and care with the involvement of relatives#
  • Living together in an intercultural context
  • Dilemmas between protection – autonomy – economic efficiency
  • Tensions between departments (age-related issues)
  • Conflicts between residents

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